Difficult Workplace Personalities

7/9/2018

When getting a new job you’re faced with a multitude of different types of people. Some you naturally get along with while others you grit your teeth and walk away. Although you don’t have to like everyone, getting along with your personality opposite is essential in a successful work environment.

Instead of deep diving into the world of personalities by MBIT standards, here are 4 of the toughest personalities to work with and tips on how to handle them.

The Show-off:The person whose ego is too big to fit in the room. They’re always right, too good for direction/advice, and carry the biggest and hardest workload. They thrive on the idea that they’re the best at everything.

- Make sure to leave your ego at the door.

- Communicate with them in small doses.

- Praise them when deserved

- Lead criticism with positive feedback

- Don’t engage in drama

Gossip Queen: Spreading rumors, stretching truths, and always ready to hear the next big “dirty deats” of the office. In large office environments it can seem like the gossiping never stops.

- If someone comes to you with the latest scoop, don’t engage yourself.

- Avoid sharing details about your personal life with or near the office gossip

- Don’t take what they say personally

Negative Nancy:No one is upbeat and positive all the time. But there are some people who seem to love endlessly complaining about anything and everything. They’re uninterested in everything except taking home the paycheck. Take Stanley from the office for example. Studies have shown workplace negativity impacts people mentally, emotionally, and physical well being by creating a toxic work environment.

- Handle the problem at hand- if there is actually one

- Hold your tongue

- Exit the conversation gracefully but quickly - “I have to prep for __ or take a phone call or have a meeting”

The Blamer shifter: Everything is always someone else fault.

- Patience

- If working directly together in a project, make it clear what parts or being worked on by who and when they’re due.

- If you make a mistake, own up to it.

- Shift the conversation. “I’m sorry that fell through. What are you planning to do next time to make sure you have all the pieces to be able to turn in the report?”

Everyone is different. People have different methods of communications that the work best for them. Compromising is key. If you follow the same rules they teach you in kindergarten, it can help keep problematic work environments at bay.